No ban on teacher website

THE government will not ban school computer access to a website that defames teachers, despite its advice to the previous government in 2007.

A comment made on the website, RateMyTeachers, in March this year described one Burnie teacher as, "butthole butthole butthole", while Latrobe and Devonport teachers have been defamed since July.

Former Liberal education spokeswoman Sue Napier said in 2007 the Labor government should ban the website on school computers, to prevent students "cyberbullying" teachers.

The availability of mobiles meant students had ready access to the internet, Education and Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff said this week.

"Although we shouldn't give such websites any credence, or publicity for that matter, I will request that my department sends a clear message to the school community that we support our teachers, and we do not condone this type of forum," Mr Rockliff said.

The comments on the website lacked empathy, Tasmanian Principals Association president David Raw said.

Many teacher reviews are positive.

Mr Raw expressed concern for the influence of anonymous feedback.

"The anonymity of social media is something that society needs to come to grips with," Mr Raw said.

People who made defamatory and anonymous comments lacked a capacity for empathy, Mr Raw said.

Some website users may take note of defamatory comments, however, the comments would not influence teacher's careers, Mr Raw said.

The website owners were contacted via a contact form but did not respond.

They previously defended the website as being a way for students to give feedback, and said most teacher reviews were positive.